Flexible intermediate bulk container with fork lift guide

ABSTRACT

A flexible intermediate bulk container. The container has walls of flexible sheet, with at least a second end enclosed with a sheet. The ends may have filling and discharge spouts. The walls of flexible sheet may have a plurality of loops external to the container and adjacent to the first end. The second end has two parallel guides formed from flexible sheet and external to the flexible intermediate bulk container. Preferably, each guide has therein a removable fork guide formed from a solid material. The guides and removable fork guides are cooperatively disposed in a spaced apart relationship and accommodate the respective forks of a fork lift,

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention is directed to containers known as flexibleintermediate bulk containers, which are used in the shipping ofsemi-bulk quantities of, for instance, powdered materials e.g. finepowdered food and chemical products. In particular, the presentinvention relates to flexible intermediate bulk containers that havefork lift guides for use in movement of the containers from one locationto another.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Flexible intermediate bulk containers, also known as FIBCs, areincreasingly used in the packaging and shipping of semi-bulk quantitiesof fine powdery food, chemical products and other powdered materials.Examples of the products that are shipped in such containers includemelamine, silicon and flour. Flexible intermediate bulk containers havea flexible side wall, normally in the form of a tube, and end walls. Theend walls typically have spouts thereon, the spout on one end being forfilling the container and the spout on the other end being for dischargeof the contents from the container.

[0003] Flexible intermediate bulk containers are usually filled using agravity fill process in which the material is fed through the fillingspout into the container, until such time as the container has beenfilled.

[0004] Techniques for filling FIBCs, especially to reduce entrapped air,are known e.g. as disclosed in Canadian Patent Application No. 2 242121, published Jan. 25, 1999.

[0005] FIBCs are typically provided with external loops on one end,usually the filling end, for use in movement of the filled FIBC. Forinstance, a crane may be used to transport the FIBC using such straps,and to locate the FIBC for discharge of its contents. In some instances,the FIBC is elevated using the straps, to enable discharge of thecontents.

[0006] Use of a crane, or similar lifting devices, is restricted toareas in which the crane has sufficient room to operate. Some buildingsare not equipped with cranes or lifting devices and, in many instances,such buildings could not be so equipped due to the presence of lowceilings or other obstructions. Particular difficulties may beexperienced in transportation of FIBCs in railway cars and so-calledtractor trailer units, which have limited ceiling space for lifting ofthe FIBCs. Consequently, the FIBCs are usually placed on a wooden palletso that the FIBC can be lifted into and out of the railway car ortrailer. However, pallets add weight and cost to transportation of theFIBC and do not allow for discharge of the contents from the dischargespout in the bottom of the FIBC.

[0007] GB Patent No. 2255963 discloses a combined flexible container andpad with an elongate tear-away panel for discharge of the contents ofthe container and a pallet member adapted to deform concomitantly in usewith the container.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,785,175 discloses a flexible bulk bag with a basefor cooperating with a fork lift. The base has a reinforced cavity.

[0009] Improvements in flexible intermediate bulk containers, especiallyin respect to movement, transportation, and discharge of the containerusing a fork lift are required.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] A flexible intermediate bulk container with fork lift guides hasnow been found.

[0011] Accordingly, an aspect of the present invention provides aflexible intermediate bulk container comprising walls of flexible sheet,a first end and a second end, at least said second end being enclosedwith a sheet, said second end having two parallel sleeves formed fromflexible sheet and cooperatively disposed in a spaced apart relationshipto accommodate the respective forks of a fork lift, said sleeves beingexternal to the flexible intermediate bulk container.

[0012] In embodiments of the present invention, the first end has meansfor filling the container e.g. a filling spout, and/or the second endhas a discharge spout therein.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the flexible intermediate bulkcontainer, a cover sheet extends over the discharge spout, optionallyadditionally over said sleeves.

[0014] In another embodiment, the sleeves are of elongated rectangularcross-section.

[0015] In a still further embodiment, the guides extend substantiallyfor the width of the flexible intermediate bulk container.

[0016] Another aspect of the present invention provides a flexibleintermediate bulk container comprising walls of flexible sheet, a firstend and a second end, at least said second end being enclosed with asheet, said second end having two parallel sleeves formed from flexiblesheet and external to the flexible intermediate bulk container, each ofsaid sleeves having therein a removable fork guide formed from a solidmaterial, said sleeves and removable fork guides being cooperativelydisposed in a spaced apart relationship and accommodating the respectiveforks of a fork lift.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the solidmaterial of the fork guides is wood, cardboard, plastic or metal.

[0018] In a further embodiment, the removable fork guide is releasablyretained in the sleeve.

[0019] A further aspect of the present invention provides a flexibleintermediate bulk container comprising walls of flexible sheet, a firstend and a second end, at least said second end being enclosed with asheet, said second end being enclosed in and secured to a removableflexible base assembly, said flexible base assembly accommodating saidflexible intermediate bulk container and having therein at least oneexternal sleeve disposed at said second end, said external sleeve beingformed from flexible sheet and cooperatively disposed to accommodate therespective forks of a fort lift.

[0020] In embodiments, said flexible base assembly has two parallelsleeves cooperatively disposed in a spaced apart relationship toaccommodate said respective forks of the fork lift, especially in whichthe sleeves are of elongated rectangular cross-section. Preferably, thesleeves extend substantially for the depth of the flexible intermediatebulk container.

[0021] Another aspect of the present invention provides a flexible baseassembly for a flexible intermediate bulk container comprising a baseand side walls, means to attach said base assembly to a flexibleintermediate bulk container, said base assembly having at least oneexternal sleeve formed from flexible sheet and cooperatively disposed toaccommodate the respective forks of a fork lift.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The present invention is illustrated by to the embodiments shownin the drawings, in which:

[0023]FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a flexible intermediatebulk container of the invention, with fork guides;

[0024]FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of a sleeve and fork guide ofthe flexible intermediate bulk container of FIG. 1; and

[0025]FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of an alternate embodiment ofthe flexible intermediate bulk container with fork guides.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0026]FIG. 1 shows a flexible intermediate bulk container (FIBC),generally indicated by 1. FIBC 1 has first end 2 and second end 3. Firstend 2 has filling spout 5 extending upwards from a central location infirst end 2. In addition, first end 2 has a plurality of loops 6, ofwhich three are shown in the drawing. FIBC 1 would normally have foursuch loops.

[0027] First end 2 and second end 3 are joined to the opposed ends offlexible sheet 4, which forms the walls of FIBC 1.

[0028] Second end 3 has sleeves 7 and 8. Sleeves 7 and 8 contain forkguides 9 and 10, respectively, which are more clearly seen in FIG. 2.Sleeves 7 and 8 are parallel and spaced apart by a distance that wouldcorrespond with the separation of the forks on a fork lift. Fork guides9 and 10 within sleeves 7 and 8 would be of a size to accommodate a forkof a fork lift. Sleeves 7 and 8 are in the form of a sheath thataccommodates fork guides 9 and 10.

[0029] The fork guides 9 and 10 are formed from a solid material,examples of which are wood, cardboard, plastic and metal. It ispreferred that fork guides 9 and 10 be attached to the respectivesleeves 7 and 8, for example using Velcro™ hook and loop fasteners, toassist in retention of fork guides 9 and 10 in sleeves 7 and 8 duringuse. Thus, fork guides 9 and 10 are releasably retained in sleeves 7 and8, to permit removal for storage and for transportation of the FIBC 1when it is empty.

[0030] Sleeves 7 and 8 are shown as extending between front edge 11 ofFIBC 1 and back edge 12 thereof. In addition, sleeves 7 and 8 are spacedfrom side edges 13 of FIBC 1. It is understood that sleeves 7 and 8would normally be symmetrically disposed on second end 3, with equalspacing from the respective side edges 13, so that when FIBC 1 is liftedon a fork lift, the load on the fork lift is stable and balanced, andwill not tend to tip to one side.

[0031]FIG. 2 shows sleeve 8 in more detail. Sleeve 8 is attached tosecond end 3 by hems 14 and 15. Fork guide 10 is shown as inserted insleeve 8, thereby providing fork opening 16 for insertion of a fork froma fork lift.

[0032] The discharge spout for FIBC 1, if present, would normally belocated on second end 3 between sleeves 7 and 8, but is not shown inFIG. 1.

[0033] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in which FIBC1 has a discharge spout, a cover sheet is attached to second end 3 tocover the discharge spout. The cover sheet could be attached to secondend 3, and optionally additionally attached to flexible sheet 4, by anysuitable means, including snaps, straps, tie tapes or Velcro™ hook andloop fastenings. In embodiments, the cover sheet covers the area of thedischarge spout i.e. the area between the fork guides, but does notextend over the fork guides. In other embodiments, the cover sheetcovers the area of the discharge spout and additionally extends over thefork guides. Suitable means of attachment are used, as is appropriatefor the particular cover sheet. The cover sheet provides protection tothe area of the discharge spout, to reduce or prevent dirt or othercontamination of the discharge spout.

[0034] In a further embodiment of the invention, the cover sheet extendsover both sleeves 7 and 8 as well as the intervening section of secondend 3, and optionally extends onto flexible sheet 4. Suitable means toattach the cover sheet would be provided.

[0035] In use, a filled FIBC with fork guides inserted in the sleeves isreadily movable using a fork lift. The forks of the fork lift areinserted in the respective fork guides to permit lifting of the FIBC. Itis important that the fork guides extend at least substantially acrossthe FIBC, so that when moved the FIBC is less prone to tipping in aforwards/backwards direction. Transportation of the FIBC on a fork liftinvolves starting and stopping of the fork lift, which imparts force onthe FIBC in the direction of movement of the fork lift. The FIBC of thepresent invention reduces the consequent tendency for the FIBC to tipforwards or backwards.

[0036] After the contents of the FIBC have been discharged, the FIBC isnormally returned for re-filling. With the FIBC of the presentinvention, it is convenient to remove both fork guides from therespective sleeves so that stacks of fork guides and of folded FIBCs maybe transported for re-filling. Such separate stacks of fork guides andfolded empty FIBCs should require less space for transportation.Alternatively, the fork guides may be retained i.e. not transported backwith FIBCs, and thus kept at locations where fork lifts are used. Thiswould reduce shipping costs.

[0037]FIG. 3 shows an alternate embodiment of the present invention.FIBC 20 has first end 21 and second end 22. First end 21 has fillingspout 23 extending upwards from a central location of first end 21.First end 21 and second end 22 are joined to the opposite ends offlexible sheet 24, which forms the walls of FIBC 20. Securement ties 25are attached to flexible sheet 24, and represent attachment means forattaching flexible base assembly 26 to FIBC 20. Other securement meansmay be used, for example as discussed above.

[0038] Flexible base assembly 26 has walls 27 and 28, which areconveniently formed from woven fabric e.g. woven polypropylene. Walls 27and 28 have eyelets 29 for attachment of flexible base assembly 26 toFIBC 20 using securement ties 25. Bottom panel 30 of flexible baseassembly 26 has external sleeves 31 which contain fork guides. Suchsleeves and fork guides have been described above with respect to theembodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0039] The embodiment of FIG. 3 shows a removable base assembly. Thebase assembly could be attached to FIBC 20 prior to filling of thelatter, or at any time thereafter to enable a fork lift to move thefilled flexible intermediate bulk container. After use, the baseassembly may be removed e.g. for storage for future use or for returnwith empty FIBCs when the latter are returned for filling.

[0040] The flexible base assembly may be provided with an opening,especially a closable opening, for discharge of contents of the FIBC, orthe flexible base assembly could be removed prior to discharge ofcontents of the FIBC. Any opening in the flexible base assembly would becooperatively located with respect to the discharge spout of the FIBC.

[0041] A water-proof lining may be provided within the flexible baseassembly.

[0042] To further illustrate the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the FIBCmay have a width of about 40 inches (100 cm) and a height of about 48inches (120 cm). The fork guides may be 5-8 inches in width (12.5-20cm). The height of the flexible base assembly may be 2-4 inches (5-10cm). It will be appreciated that other appropriate dimensions may beused.

[0043] Materials for the construction of FIBCs are known, and includecoated woven materials. The sleeves attached to the end of the FIBCcould be formed from similar material, un-coated woven material or othermaterials with sufficient tear and tensile strength. In particularembodiments of the invention, the flexible sheet used to form the FIBCand/or flexible base assembly may be woven or non-woven polypropylene orpolyethylene materials.

[0044] The walls of the FIBC may have a variety of constructions, as isknown in the art. In particular, the walls could be in the form of afour-sided baffle bag, a U-shaped bag or a circular bag. Other shapedbags could also be used. In embodiments, the FIBC has internal baffles,to facilitate filling and discharge of contents from the FIBC. In otherembodiments, the FIBC does not have such baffles.

[0045] The present invention has been particularly described herein withreference to a FIBC having a discharge spout in the second (bottom) end.It is to be understood that a discharge spout is not essential. The FIBCcould have no discharge spout, with other means being used to empty theFIBC. Alternatively, the FIBC could have a porthole/cover constructionof an outlet for discharge of the contents of the FIBC, or other typesof discharge outlets.

[0046] The present invention has also been particularly described hereinwith reference to a FIBC having a filling spout. It is to be understoodthat a filling spout is not essential and that the FIBC could have othermeans for the filling of the FIBC. In embodiments, the FIBC could have aduffle construction or a plain top, or other types of constructionsuitable for filling the FIBC.

[0047] The present invention has been particularly described herein withrespect to the FIBC having a first end and a second end. The second endis formed from a sheet, especially a flexible sheet, which may have adischarge spout. The first end may also be formed from a sheet,especially a flexible sheet, but in some constructions defined hereinthe first end may have other forms e.g. in a duffle construction.

[0048] The present invention has been particularly described withreference to the use of two sleeves to accommodate the forks of a forklift. Although two sleeves are preferred, it is understood that the twosleeves could be combined to a single sleeve that accommodate both forksof a fork lift.

[0049] The present invention provides FIBCs that may be moved using afork lift, and contents discharged therefrom, without requiring use of aseparate pallet and/or use of a crane or other lifting device.

1. A flexible intermediate bulk container comprising walls of flexiblesheet, a first end and a second end, at least said second end beingenclosed with a sheet, said second end having at least one sleeve formedfrom flexible sheet and cooperatively disposed to accommodate therespective forks of a fork lift, said at least one sleeve being externalto the flexible intermediate bulk container.
 2. The flexibleintermediate bulk container of claim 1 in which said second end has twoparallel sleeves cooperatively disposed in a spaced apart relationshipto accommodate said respective forks of the fork lift.
 3. The flexibleintermediate bulk container of claim 2 in which the second end is aflexible sheet.
 4. The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim 2in which said first end has means for filling the container.
 5. Theflexible intermediate bulk container of claim 4 in which the means tofill the container is a filling spout.
 6. The flexible intermediate bulkcontainer of claim 2 in which the second end has a discharge spouttherein.
 7. The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim 6 in whicha cover sheet extends over the discharge spout.
 8. The flexibleintermediate bulk container of claim 6 in which the cover sheet extendsover said sleeves.
 9. The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim2 in which the sleeves are of elongated rectangular cross-section. 10.The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim 2 in which the sleevesextend substantially for the depth of the flexible intermediate bulkcontainer.
 11. The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim 2 inwhich the walls of flexible sheet have a plurality of hoops extended tothe container and adjacent to the first end.
 12. A flexible intermediatebulk container comprising walls of flexible sheet, a first end and asecond end, at least said second end being enclosed with a sheet, saidsecond end having at least one sleeve formed from flexible sheet andexternal to the flexible intermediate bulk container, each of saidsleeves having therein a removable fork guide formed from a solidmaterial, said sleeves and removable fork guides being cooperativelydisposed to accommodate the respective forks of a fork lift.
 13. Theflexible intermediate bulk container of claim 12 in which said secondend has two parallel sleeves cooperatively disposed in a spaced apartrelationship to accommodate said respective forks of the fork lift. 14.The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim 13 in which the secondend is a flexible sheet.
 15. The flexible intermediate bulk container ofclaim 13 in which first end has means for filling the container.
 16. Theflexible intermediate bulk container of claim 15 in which the means tofill the container is a filling spout.
 17. The flexible intermediatebulk container of claim 15 in which the second end has a discharge spouttherein.
 18. The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim 17 inwhich a cover sheet extends over the discharge spout.
 19. The flexibleintermediate bulk container of claim 18 in which the cover sheet extendsover said sleeves.
 20. The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim13 in which the sleeves are of elongated rectangular cross-section. 21.The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim 20 in which thesleeves extend substantially for the depth of the flexible intermediatebulk container.
 22. The flexible intermediate bulk container of claim 13in which the walls of flexible sheet have a plurality of hoops extendedto the container and adjacent to the first end.
 23. The flexibleintermediate bulk container of claim 13 in which the solid material ofthe fork guide is wood, cardboard, plastic or metal.
 24. The flexibleintermediate bulk container of claim 13 in which the removable forkguide is releasably retained in the sleeve.
 25. A flexible intermediatebulk container comprising walls of flexible sheet, a first end and asecond end, at least said second end being enclosed with a sheet, saidsecond end being enclosed in and secured to a removable flexible baseassembly, said flexible base assembly accommodating said flexibleintermediate bulk container and having therein at least one externalsleeve disposed at said second end, said external sleeve being formedfrom flexible sheet and cooperatively disposed to accommodate therespective forks of a fort lift.
 26. The flexible intermediate bulkcontainer of claim 25 in which said flexible base assembly has twoparallel sleeves cooperatively disposed in a spaced apart relationshipto accommodate said respective forks of the fork lift.
 27. The flexibleintermediate bulk container of claim 26 in which the sleeves are ofelongated rectangular cross-section.
 28. The flexible intermediate bulkcontainer of claim 26 in which the sleeves extend substantially for thedepth of the flexible intermediate bulk container.
 29. A flexible baseassembly for a flexible intermediate bulk container comprising a baseand side walls, means to attach said base assembly to a flexibleintermediate bulk container, said base assembly having at least oneexternal sleeve formed from flexible sheet and cooperatively disposed toaccommodate the respective forks of a fork lift.
 30. The flexible baseassembly of claim 29 in which said flexible base assembly has twoparallel sleeves cooperatively disposed in a spaced apart relationshipto accommodate said respective forks of the fork lift.
 31. The flexiblebase assembly of claim 30 in which the sleeves are of elongatedrectangular cross-section.
 32. The flexible base assembly of claim 30 inwhich the sleeves extend substantially for the depth of the flexibleintermediate bulk container.